DISVX vs. FNK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DISVX (DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio) and FNK (First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) are both funds - DISVX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while FNK is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Mid Cap Value Index. Over the past 10 years, DISVX returned 10.65%/yr vs 9.29%/yr for FNK. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DISVX charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FNK.

Performance

DISVX vs. FNK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (DISVX) and First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DISVX achieves a 10.61% return, which is significantly higher than FNK's 7.22% return. Over the past 10 years, DISVX has outperformed FNK with an annualized return of 10.65%, while FNK has yielded a comparatively lower 9.29% annualized return.

DISVX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 3.32%
• YTD: 10.61%
• 6M: 14.85%
• 1Y: 36.19%
• 3Y*: 26.27%
• 5Y*: 13.72%
• 10Y*: 10.65%

FNK

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 7.22%
• 6M: 7.56%
• 1Y: 19.55%
• 3Y*: 13.11%
• 5Y*: 6.97%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DISVX vs. FNK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DISVX DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio	10.61%	52.17%	7.88%	17.58%	-9.80%	15.84%	0.82%	21.04%	-23.36%	25.41%
FNK First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	7.22%	5.65%	6.65%	21.03%	-7.24%	33.60%	1.23%	20.56%	-14.72%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DISVX and FNK is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 21, 2011	0.67

The correlation between DISVX and FNK shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.67 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DISVX vs. FNK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DISVX

DISVX Risk / Return Rank: 60
DISVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DISVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DISVX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
DISVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DISVX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

FNK

FNK Risk / Return Rank: 38
FNK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
FNK Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
FNK Omega Ratio Rank: 35
FNK Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
FNK Martin Ratio Rank: 39

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DISVX vs. FNK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (DISVX) and First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DISVX	FNK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	1.29	+1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	2.02	+1.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.23	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	2.15	+0.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	6.23	+3.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DISVX vs. FNK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DISVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is higher than the FNK Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DISVX and FNK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DISVX	FNK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.49	1.29	+1.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86	0.33	+0.53
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64	0.39	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.40	+0.12

Drawdowns

DISVX vs. FNK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DISVX drawdown since its inception was -61.57%, which is greater than FNK's maximum drawdown of -50.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DISVX and FNK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DISVX	FNK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.57%	-50.70%	-10.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.26%	-9.13%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	-25.16%	+11.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.43%	-25.16%	-2.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.24%	-50.70%	+1.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.34%	-2.16%	-1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.20%	-6.84%	-5.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.70%	3.15%	+0.55%

Volatility

DISVX vs. FNK - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (DISVX) has a higher volatility of 3.94% compared to First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK) at 3.53%. This indicates that DISVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FNK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DISVX	FNK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	3.53%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.64%	9.69%	+1.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.37%	15.36%	-0.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.07%	21.04%	-4.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.78%	23.86%	-7.08%

DISVX vs. FNK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DISVX has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than FNK's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

DISVX vs. FNK - Dividend Comparison

DISVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.52%, more than FNK's 1.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DISVX DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio	6.52%	7.17%	4.56%	3.87%	2.40%	3.51%	1.84%	3.97%	5.91%	3.77%	5.85%	3.51%
FNK First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.56%	1.53%	1.63%	1.76%	1.66%	1.27%	1.61%	1.82%	1.76%	1.40%	1.38%	1.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DISVX and FNK in my portfolio?

DISVX and FNK have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DISVX or FNK?

DISVX has higher volatility (3.94%) compared to FNK (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DISVX dropped -61.57% vs FNK's -50.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DISVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.29), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.